Ibanez Artcore ASB180BS

January 28, 2013

Ibanez is answering the growing demand for its Artcore hollow and semi-hollow basses by expanding its offerings in 2013.

One of those offerings is the return of an old favorite with some Artcore fan-influenced upgrades. Hoshino USA Bass Manager Mao Nakamura explains, “The Artcore AS body style developed a following, and some of those players communicated their wishes regarding what they’d like to see in the future.” The most drastic change is 30.3” short scale neck that many bassists find more playable. (The original Artcore had a standard 34” neck.) The pickups got a distinct upgrade as well. A neck and a bridge pickup have replaced the original single pickup. “The new ACHB-3 neck pickup is a larger, meatier humbucker, and in combination with the ACHB-2 bridge pickup, provides wider range sound projection with punchy and fat sound character,” says Nakamura.

The ASB180BS features a select-grade maple top, back, and sides. The fretboard is bound, rich rosewood contrasted by pearl dot inlays. The 3-piece Artcore maple/mahogany neck has proven its reliability on thousands of Ibanez hollow and semi-hollow bodies throughout the years.